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This article was updated in August 2023 to reflect the University's latest statistics.

Many of the world’s food leaders have one thing in common: Johnson & Wales. The university has evolved with the world since 1914, and our College of Food Innovation and Technology (CFIT) offers cutting-edge facilities and hands-on experience while solidifying your understanding of the impact and importance of food on those around you.

_{¶¶ÒõPro'S CUISINARY CENTER FOR CULINARY EXCELLENCE GLEAMS WITH POTENTIAL.}

And we give our students tons of opportunity to flex their skills, whether through the Bigelow “Super Bev” Tea Challenge or the Future Food All-Stars Challenge.

But what makes ¶¶ÒõPro different from a culinary boot camp? Here are five reasons why we think ¶¶ÒõPro is the best place to pursue your culinary degree.

1. We’re great at food.

At ¶¶ÒõPro, you’ll hone both classic techniques and the latest practices from our experienced faculty and visiting distinguished chefs while networking with professional culinary organizations. While finding your passion amid our many culinary programs – including the nation’s only Baking & Pastry Arts B.S. – you’ll explore culinary systems within the contexts of political, social, and economic landscapes, understanding the impact that food has on us all and how you can contribute to its innovations and solutions. Plus, intensive ¶¶ÒõPro culinary lab experiences will provide you with professional, real-world skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and conflict resolution.

_{CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF ROBERT ZIELINSKI HAS LED BUDDING PASTRY DECORATING TEAMS TO CULINARY OLYMPIC MEDALS.}

2. Yet we’re so much more than food.

Our choices of 65+ undergraduate programs allow you to stretch your wings for the broadest possible perspective. While pursuing your culinary degree, you’ll work with students in health, engineering, hospitality management and more, with industry-savvy instructors to ground you in multiple disciplines. You’ll participate in a sustainable lifestyle, advocating for locally sourced food, human treatment of animals, access to all for food and water, and other ways to prepare and cook with integrity. And there’s always so much to do at ¶¶ÒõPro, too! From more than 100 universitywide student clubs/organizations to 27 varsity sports teams to constant activities and events, you’ll stay active, feel at home, and build lasting friendships and community ties.

There's more to life than the kitchen or lab, and ¶¶ÒõPro is the place to discover that!

_{(LEFT) A PLANT-BASED FOOD COURSE; (RIGHT) ¶¶ÒõPro CULINARY STUDENTS STUDY ORGANIC TECHNIQUES ON A FARM.}

3. Our alumni are invested in YOU.

¶¶ÒõPro grads don’t just stay connected; they nurture the next generation. For instance, proud ¶¶ÒõPro alumnus Tyler Florence '94, '04 Hon., has met monthly with ¶¶ÒõPro Providence students as ¶¶ÒõPro’s Food Entrepreneur in Residence, helping them strengthen their culinary business plans. In Charlotte, the many alumni members of the Epicurean Scholarship Society fund culinary educations for ¶¶ÒõPro students and provide opportunities for students to create meals with celebrity chefs like Joe Kindred '02, Katie Button and David Burke.

Our alumni are busy doing amazing things, yet many make time to work with future ¶¶ÒõPro graduates and help them hone their craft.

_{CELEBRITY CHEF EMERIL LAGASSE '78, '90 HON. POSES WITH CULINARY STUDENTS WHILE HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ¶¶ÒõPro.}

4. Your success means everything.

Our Career Outcomes rate is consistently higher than the national average — because our dedicated faculty and staff put so much effort into making sure YOU have the skills you need to turn your passion into a fulfilling career. ¶¶ÒõPro is a known community partner, arranging 1,457 internships a year across 43 states to help our students gain valuable work experience and get their feet in the door — and the best kitchens. (With 74.7% of those being paid internships!)

And just like being a chef can lead down many paths, from restaurants and caterers to private homes and traveling to performance opportunities, a culinary arts degree is an entry ticket to nearly endless possibilities! Caring ¶¶ÒõPro faculty and staff can help you explore becoming a food media specialist (writer, blogger, stylist or photographer); nutritionist; product developer; food and beverage entrepreneur, broker or buyer; food service or hospitality manager/owner; food educator — you'll have so many options to pursue your passions professionally.  

_{RENOWNED CHEF ROBERT SISCA '03 AND ¶¶ÒõPro STUDENTS PRESENT ONE OF SEVERAL COURSES THEY CREATED TOGETHER.}

5. We have something for everyone — including you!

Your choice of vibrant campuses in either Providence, Rhode Island or Charlotte, North Carolina will keep you busy with area restaurants, parks and entertainment when you do need a break from the lab. Our student body represents 57 states and territories and 54 countries that, coupled with our more than 55 study abroad opportunities, will broaden your horizons, while interacting with peers in a multitude of other disciplines will let you hear about and experience way more than food.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling and well-rounded college experience, ¶¶ÒõPro will fit you!

_{STUDENTS POSE WITH ¶¶ÒõPro'S MASCOT, WILDCAT WILLIE, AT A CAMPUS EVENT.}

Need more reasons?

We have plenty! Read about why ¶¶ÒõPro is a global culinary leader to get a sense of what we do — and better yet, watch this video to experience a day in the life of a ¶¶ÒõPro culinary student!

Then sharpen your knife, button up your chef’s whites, and prepare for a delicious culinary experience at Johnson & Wales.

_{BANNER PHOTO: 2020 "YOUNG CHEF OLYMPIAD" WINNER SAM FARLEY POSES WITH CHEF RAINER HIENERWADEL} 

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